Lend a Hand: Help others remain healthy

Friday

Jun 29, 2007 at 2:00 AM

We are all familiar with the old adage that "our health is the most important thing," and when we are sick, this saying becomes personal. No one enjoys being sick and unable to participate in favorite activities.

We are all familiar with the old adage that "our health is the most important thing," and when we are sick, this saying becomes personal. No one enjoys being sick and unable to participate in favorite activities.

And for many residents of the Greater Seacoast, there is the added burden of not being able to access health care for various reasons. In a recent New Hampshire survey, an estimated 8 percent of Seacoast area residents reported having no medical insurance, while another 35 percent are underinsured with health insurance covering only major injury or illness.

This week's column features a few opportunities to volunteer at local nonprofit agencies so they can continue to provide health care to those in need in our community.

The Rockingham VNA & Hospice is seeking Hospice volunteers to provide support to dying patients and their families. The agency provides home health, hospice, and community services for adults throughout Rockingham County. The goal of RVNA & Hospice is not only to care for the sick in their homes but to help patients regain function and independence.

The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities New England is looking for RN volunteers to help children on the autistic spectrum at Camp CARD NE. The camp provides activities that include day hikes, hobby exploration, animal therapy /farm animals, music and theater therapy, nature studies, gardening and more. RNs must have current certification. Camp is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Two sessions are offered: July 3-July 28 and July 31-Aug 23. Volunteer a day, a week or a session. The organization's vision is to create a community where families, friends and children affected by autism spectrum disorders feel welcome.

Contact Cindy Ziobrowski, director, 502-5260 or CARDNE@maine.rr.com

Location: Cape Neddick, Maine

NARAL Pro-Choice New Hampshire has various ongoing volunteer opportunities available. These include phone banks, educational mailings, tabling opportunities, letter to the editor campaigns, lobbying at the statehouse, fund-raising events and membership recruitment. NARAL's mission is to develop and sustain a constituency that uses the political process to guarantee every woman the right to make personal decisions regarding the full range of reproductive choices, including preventing unintended pregnancy, bearing healthy children and choosing legal abortion.

The Homemakers Health Services is looking for volunteers to drive elderly residents to and from doctors appointments or tests at a local hospital. A valid driver's license and proof of insurance is required. The mission of The Homemakers Health Services is to provide home health care, home support and adult medical day care services to those adults of Strafford County who need them in order to maintain independence and quality of life in the home and to prevent, if possible, unnecessary hospitalization or nursing home placement.

LEND A HAND: These and hundreds of other opportunities to volunteer or donate goods are brought to you by the United Way of the Greater Seacoast Volunteer Action Center online at www.uwgs.org or call 436-5554, ext. 36.

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